Disclaimer: Don't own YYH or Osa.

Warning: Heaven, angels, God, etc. For those of you who follow the bible or whatever, don't yell at me for any "inaccuracies." This is my view on God and His "minions."

Chapter 23

Heaven's Angels

"Darkfire, do you know how to dance?" Hokage asked the angel, turning in the dark.

"Yes, why?"

"Well, I don't. And this mission starts at a masquerade…which involves dancing. So I was wondering if you'd help me with that part."

"Don't you want my help through it all?"

"No, I want to do this on my own. Sorry."

"It's ok."

Hokage yawned and snuggled down into the covers. Still, though, she was unable to find sleep.

"Rest, Hokage. Allow me to borrow your body, and your mind can rest."

"Just…don't go too far," she mumbled, fading away.

"I'm not going anywhere." Darkfire spread herself throughout Hokage's entire body, taking all control. She sat and looked up. "Raphael, hear me. Hear me, Angel of Foresight."

"Darkfire, I can always hear you," a deep voice answered. "But you know I cannot help you." A man appeared in the room, illuminating the darkness with his angelic glow. He had long, flowing golden hair and pale green eyes. Soft robes adorned his body and great white wings protruded behind him.

"Raphael, friend of old."

"Why have you called me, Darkfire? You know I can't help an enemy of God," the angel said, eyes growing sad.

"Just this one last favor, dear Raphael. I must see what your eyes can show me."

Sighing, he placed a hand on the woman's head. "Know that what you see may not be what you desire."

"I know."

Raphael looked into the future, searching for some kind of image. He stumbled upon a darkened scene, illuminated only by the repetitive lighting. Rain spat upon the earth as the thunder laughed angrily. Looking to his feet, he saw dead faces staring up at him. Faces of people he did not know. Faces covered in blood and mud. He looked up suddenly and met deep red eyes.

"Oh, God!" Darkfire gasped, lurching from Raphael's touch. Her eyes were wide and full of fear. She covered her mouth with her hands and began shaking her head. "No, God, no."

"You knew those people?" the Archangel inquired, sitting beside the shaking angel. "Those dead faces in the mud?"

"Yes…my friends. People I protect and love. How could that happen, Raphael? How?"

"What I see are merely images of what could happen, not what will. The future has not yet been written; you know that." He stroked her back, coaxing out her wings.

"Don't look at them, Raphael, they're ugly," Darkfire whispered, pulling away.

"Nonsense. They're just as beautiful as they were when you first got them. An angel's wings should match the angel's personality. White wings would not suit you."

"You've always been so kind you me, Raphael. Even when Gabriel and Michael picked on me, you stood against them. And they were your friends."

"Darkfire, I must do a terrible thing. I must tell the Archangels and God of this vision. I must tell them that it was you I looked through. Please forgive me."

"Worry not, sweet Raphael. My feelings will not be offended." She pulled her wings back in and stared into his soft eyes. "Go, Lord of Sight, and tell Heaven what you saw."

Raphael stood and made to leave. As he began to fade, he remembered something, "Oh, and watch for Michael. He will prove to be an annoying obstacle."

Raphael returned from the house of Enma and hurried to the Great Hall. He passed the many ruins of old and remembered when they were long ago new. The Great War between angels and demons had ravaged this Hall and much was lost. Still, though, it was a place of refuge and hope. Also a place of meetings.

Entering, he seated himself between Uriel, Archangel of Earth, and Chamuel, Archangel of Love. Also at the table were Zadkiel, Jophiel, Michael, Gabriel, and Lucifer, Archangels of Communication, Creativity, Fire, Water, and Hell, respectively. And at the head was God in all His glory. Donned in glowing white robes, silver hair, and an aging beard, the Lord called the Angels to order.

"What news is there to be shared in this Hall?" He questioned, voice filling the room.

When no one stirred, Raphael stood and looked around the table. "Friends, brothers in arms, I bring news of a vision." He continued at a nod from God, "The death of a great many a warrior will soon come to pass. Death of demons and humans and angels alike. Friend and foe of a fellow angel whom has been marked as a Forbidden Angel."

"Darkfire?" Zadkiel said, leaning forward curiously.

"Yes. Through her I saw this terrible fate."

"You had no right to be near her," Gabriel snapped, coming to his feet.

"As the Angel of Foresight, dear friend, I have a choice to answer to whoever calls my name."

"As an Archangel, though, it is forbidden!"

"Gabriel, sit down," the Lord sighed, straightening. "What did the young angel have to say about this fate?"

"She said nothing."

"You lie!" Uriel hissed, getting into Raphael's face. "What did she tell you?"

"Uriel, he speaks the truth," Chamuel said softly. "Please, sit down."

Jophiel mused, "You mentioned angels…who did you mean?"

Raphael regained his composure and turned to the Angle of Creativity. "Osadyro, Secretary to God, and Anthony, Guardian of Purgatory. Both were sent from those posts to be on Earth."

"Just say it, Raphael, they were banished," chuckled Zadkiel, twirling his golden brown hair about his finger. "They were traitors…despite the good they did."

"It does no good to try to reason with him," Michael laughed. "He was in love with the cursed rat."

"Cursed indeed," Uriel agreed.

"And quite a rat," Jophiel sniffed, eyeing Lucifer.

"You will do well to hold your tongues!" hissed Raphael.

"Did you love the half-breed as well? And the Secretary?" Michael continued, standing. "Did 'visions' of them haunt your thoughts?"

"I said silence!"

"You cannot command me!"

"All of you, sit!" roared the Almighty, slamming His fist down.

And the Angels sat.

"Lucifer, you have been twitching with the urge to speak. Please, speak your piece."

The Guardian of Hell stared down at God with frightened eyes.

"Yes, Lucifer, speak your fill," Gabriel urged, eyes gleaming with delight.

"Before the end, friends of old, you shall wish you had been a little kinder," the Hell Angel said, standing. He walked to the door and opened it, stopping with one foot out. "And, God, one day, I predict, it will be You asking for forgiveness." And then he left.

"The nerve of him," snarled Michael, glaring at the door.

"I don't see why You invite that traitor, my Lord. He fought against You and destroyed most of this Hall," Gabriel added.

"It is his right as being once a pure part of this council. Do not question my judgment," God answered.

"Forgive me, my Lord," whispered Gabriel, bowing his head.

"This meeting has ended. Leave to your own pleasures." The Lord waved the Archangels away, slumping down in His chair.

"My Lord," Raphael whispered, "there was one other vision You should know."

"Darkfire, wake up," Yuusuke said, rubbing Hokage's shoulder.

"Why should I?" the angel questioned, the girl's lips unmoving.

"You can sleep, I don't care, but Darkfire needs to wake up."

"I am awake, you fool. Or…do you want Hokage?"

"If you would, please," Yuusuke chuckled, shaking his head. Even with what this black angel had tried, he couldn't let himself be hampered by it. He let his good humor show through all the brighter…hoping it would help this woman come from her shell.

"What is it, Yuusuke?" Hokage murmured sleepily.

"It's nearly noon. And I wasn't sure if you'd gotten all of you outfit ready yet."

Her tired brown eyes opened and stared up at the man. "I just need a mask."

"Good." He stood and then remembered something. "Oh, and we're leaving at about six."

"Yuusuke," she began, sitting up.

The man turned from the door.

"Thanks."

"For what?"

"For not giving up on me. For showing me hope."

He smiled. "Hokage-kun, it's the least I can do. You returned my dearest friend back to me." And then he left her.

"Kuwabara told him about that?" Stretching and yawning, she slipped from the bed. She got down on her knees and felt under the bed for her forgotten suitcase. Pulling it out, she dusted it off lightly. Her fingers traced the buckles absentmindedly before opening it. Inside were all the things she had long forgotten about. Most of them were pictures. She flipped through some of them, trying to recall the faces of her past. Some she laughed at, others she cried, and a few she had no recollection of.

"You're lucky to have such happy memories."

"I suppose. But are they really my memories?"

"Yes. Yes, these are your memories."

She set them aside and pulled out a black, spaghetti-strap tank top. Next she shook out a black, long-sleeved blouse. Unfolding a black skirt, she noticed a piece of paper fall to the floor. She bent and picked it up. "Never forget us" was written on the back. Turning it over, she found her family smiling back at her.

"Oh," she gasped, stumbling to her bed. "I remember them. My mom and dad. They look so happy." Tracing her finger over their figures, she paused on a small girl between them. "I don't remember her, though. Who is she?"

"She is you. Don't you remember?"

"Me? That blonde child? That is me?"

"Yes…before me. When your soul was still in control."

"That's my family…and I nearly forgot them. I haven't written to them. Do they think I forgot them? Do they remember me? Oh, I'm such a terrible daughter."

"You've been busy. They understand. Besides, Hokage, they're getting on with what's left of their lives. They don't mind. Please, don't waste what little tears we have left."

Hokage put the photos back in the suitcase, including the one of her and her family. She pushed it back under the bed, and then she changed into the outfit she pulled out.

"If you'll let me, I'll make you a mask. If you'll allow me."

"I don't care. I have a feeling I won't be around much longer."

"Cast from your mind thoughts of purity.

"Come to me Hellfire,

"Come to me Darkness.

"Forge for me a mask of Evil.

"Accept me as your master." An evil wind churned about the girl's body. Shadow and fire melded as one over her eyes. A black mask with flames for eyelashes. There was a burning sensation, but she ignored it. Nothing hurt anymore. For the final touch, her wings sprouted.

"Now you are a true Fallen Angel."

"No…I am a demon."